Used Xpan - is 17k a lot of photos?

[lhotse]

Hi all,
I have very little experience of the x-pan but I love the format and have been chasing a reasonably priced one for years.
I've recently spotted a well used x-pan I for sale with 17k shots.
Is 17k a great deal for the x-pan or do people here have bodies that have taken 50k, 100k etc? What else should I look out for?

Any advice much appreciated
Thanks
D

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

I dunno... but here's something to think about.

XPAN has 21 shots per traditional 36-frame 135 roll.

for 17,000 shots, it works out to around 809 rolls.

At 809 rolls, it is 1 roll every 2 days for the next five years.

or 1.5 rolls every week for the next 10 years.

So yes, I think it is quite well utilised.

I had one which died in the middle of a shoot in hotel rooftop while trying to

capture the himalaya's. Had to replace the motor assembly.

So perhaps you should have your prospective camera checked first ?

raytoei

 

[--]

I have owned two different bodies (my old eyes could not focus them any more so sold the last one a while back). Both were bought used and both had only a few hundred shots on them. I believe this is not uncommon to get very low shutter counts on used Xpans.

As Raytoei stated 17k is quite a lot. The price should be very reasonable before I went for this.

You are, however, about to start on a wonderful journey and I wish you great luck in securing a good specimen. The Xpan is one of the most joyful cameras to shoot with.

Cheers,
Xpanded

 

[Paul Jenkin]

It's obviously been well-used but I'd factor this against the cost of the camera. If you're getting it in decent condition at at a price that reflects the level of usage, it might be worth a punt. However, if it's a bit tatty and the owner wants big money - just because it carries the Hasselblad name (despite being a Fuji) then I'd save up a bit more and get a good one with a 6 month guarantee (minimum).

 

[lhotse]

thanks for the info guys - the camera is priced at $800 (body only) - which is a fair bit cheaper than the current going rate - unfortunately I can't inspect as it will be shipped from overseas.

Decisions ... decisions ...

 

[rbelyell]

youve looked a long time, no? if its the price you want and havent heretofore seen, imo that makes the decision for you. you always take a chance on used equipment. ive followed these peices for a few years and imo you wont find another soon at that price.
tony

 

[stompyq]

thanks for the info guys - the camera is priced at $800 (body only) - which is a fair bit cheaper than the current going rate - unfortunately I can't inspect as it will be shipped from overseas.

Decisions ... decisions ...

Thats still too expensive. Factor in a 45mm lens and your at around $1200. I sold my xpan+lens for $1400. And it had around 500 clicks. I think it's over priced and is a significant risk.

 

[fotomeow]

Thats still too expensive. Factor in a 45mm lens and your at around $1200. I sold my xpan+lens for $1400. And it had around 500 clicks. I think it's over priced and is a significant risk.

I would have to agree.
Its like buying an old car, its a risk. If you are a mechanic willing to put some elbow grease into it, or to pay for a full overhaul, then go for it.
If you want to avoid any of these hassles, then dont do it. There are a lot of other Xpans out there which are much more safer buys.
Why roll the dice with a potential money-pit?

 

[rbelyell]

really, too expensive? has anyone seen one of these for less in the last couple years, cause i havent and i check the bay pretty much every day. and when you buy used you simply never know which are 'safer' buys. its much easier to find a cheaper lens than the camera at this price. i bought my x, 45 amd 90 for about $1400 plus a couple of years ago and havent seen a better deal, or one thats even come close, since. when something comes up for a good price like this, grab it.

 

[didjiman]

$800 for a "well-used" does seem a lot. Talk it down to $600 Or wait until one that is less well used for $1000.

 

[Bill58]

I had an extremely low count one, but sold it when I read that the complex electronics cannot not be repaired.

 

[lhotse]

I had an extremely low count one, but sold it when I read that the complex electronics cannot not be repaired.

I have read this - does anyone know if the same applies to the Fuji TX1/2?

 

[Scrambler]

I have read this - does anyone know if the same applies to the Fuji TX1/2?

Presumably. The Konica Hexar RF and the Contax G1and G2 are all internally related to the xpan and none are supported with spares (though some repairers may have old stocks).

So what?

The lenses will still be worth money.

The cameras may last 100 years. Who knows? Certainly electronic cameras from the 1970s are still doing pretty well.

It's a gamble, but at present it's in your favour.

 

[maddoc]

The electronic circuits of the XPan were still assembled using tin lead containing solder which are less prone to cold junction failures and whisker formation then circuits assembled using lead-free solder. At the time lead-free solder became prohibited in the EU, Hasselblad decided to stop production because they believed that the new lead-free solder would lead to problems in durability.

I would be less concerned about the electronic circuits of the XPan than mechanical problems like failure of the motor or the disappearing frame-line problem often found in non-serviced XPan cameras.